In this powerful episode of Broken Benefits, we sit down with healthcare thought leader Matt Harmon to explore the real potential for innovation and transformation within the American healthcare system—starting with the people who hold the power to do it: CHROs and benefits leaders.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Matt unpacks the systemic hurdles that keep companies stuck in broken benefits models and offers a blueprint for taking bold, actionable steps toward meaningful reform. If you’re in HR, healthcare, or benefits administration, this episode is a must-listen.

Change won’t happen overnight—but as Matt says, “If you never start, you’ll never finish.”

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

3:27 - Why all benefit leaders aren't following the same course

7:23 - Navigating new strategies without creating problems

13:52 - Integrating different offerings with enrollment tools

20:10 - Change isn't going to happen overnight

27:55 - Measuring the health plan's results

35:00 - The biggest 'ah ha' moments for Matt

40:24 - Getting carriers to do things they don't want to do

44:53 - Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

45:28 - Closing remarks

In this compelling episode of Broken Benefits, we sit down with Bill Allen, the former CHRO of Macy’s Inc., to explore the intricate and often flawed systems underpinning the management of healthcare in America. With decades of executive HR experience, Bill brings a unique perspective on the intersection of corporate leadership, employee well-being, and the skyrocketing costs of care.

We delve into the systemic misalignments that drive inefficiency and inequity, the pressures facing large employers trying to provide meaningful benefits, and the changes needed to reshape the future of American healthcare. It’s a candid, thoughtful conversation filled with insight, experience, and urgency.

If you care about the people behind the policies—or you’re responsible for shaping them—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:42 - International experience influencing ideals

13:40 - An important time of change

19:58 - Leveraging data in a new way

33:30 -Advice for other organizations

41:25 - Realigning incentives to create great performance

49:13 - How to connect with Bill Allen

50:36 - Closing remarks

In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis is joined by Rich Floersch—former CHRO of McDonald’s, seasoned executive coach, and trusted advisor to HR leaders across the globe. Together, they dig deep into a game-changing idea: what if healthcare, so often seen as a sunk cost or painful necessity, could actually become a strategic weapon for your business?

From translating benefit decisions into boardroom language to elevating HR’s seat at the table, Rich shares how benefits leaders can stop playing defense and start driving transformation. This isn't just theory—it's a masterclass in executive influence and real-world impact, from someone who’s advised at the highest levels.

Whether you're a benefits manager trying to get heard, or a CEO looking for ROI beyond spreadsheets, this conversation will shift your perspective—and possibly your priorities.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:40 - Differences of opinion on healthcare

8:48 - Problems and opportunities within healthcare

19:24 - Making a difference in healthcare

29:14 - Conflicts of interest among Executives

40:56 - Healthcare benefits and turnover

45:09 - Closing remarks

In this episode of Broken Benefits, we sit down with Ryan Olmstead, Director of Member Services at Catalyst for Payment Reform, to discuss how employers can take a more active role in transforming healthcare benefits.

Ryan shares insights on strategies that help employers drive down costs while improving health outcomes for employees. We explore innovative payment models, best practices for benefits design, and actionable steps employers can take to ensure they’re getting value for their healthcare spend.

Tune in to learn how employers can be catalysts for real change in the healthcare system.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

3:51 - Taking bold action

8:31 - Major obstacles impeding action

19:36 - Purchaser data barriers

31:02 - How vendors can reduce operational lift

43:36 - The future of Catalyst's progress

50:58 - How to reach Ryan's team

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we’re joined by Deborah Caplan, former CHRO and EVP of Corporate Benefits at NextEra Energy, to discuss how data-driven insights are revolutionizing the world of employee benefits.

Deborah shares her expertise on leveraging analytics to pinpoint the issues that truly matter to employees and businesses alike. From identifying hidden trends to making strategic decisions that enhance employee well-being, this conversation uncovers the power of data to create impactful benefits programs.

If you’re looking to break through the noise and design benefits that align with your workforce’s real needs, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and industry-leading perspectives.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:10 - From Engineer to CHRO

8:35 - Breaking problems down

16:28 - Fixing healthcare from a high-level

24:03 - Leverage diversified backgrounds

35:50 - Incentive structures

43:30 - The secret to making adjustments

53:29 - Deb's horizon

Connect with Lee Lewis:

LinkedIn

In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis welcomes Kevin Cox, the founder of HTA and former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of General Electric (GE). Kevin brings his vast experience from leading HR at one of the world’s largest companies to share his insights on the future of corporate benefits and human resources.

Together, Lee and Kevin discuss the broken aspects of traditional benefits systems and what it takes to revolutionize HR strategies for a new era. They explore how companies can create more value-driven, employee-centric benefits programs that improve both retention and productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Lessons from Kevin’s time at GE and how they shaped his views on HR
• The future of benefits: How to break away from outdated systems
• Innovative strategies to create more impactful, employee-centric benefits
• The role of leadership in driving HR transformation and positive change

Tune in for a forward-thinking conversation with Kevin Cox as he shares his journey and vision for transforming HR and corporate benefits.

Chapters:

0:00 - Kevin's Statement

0:40 - Introducing Kevin Cox to the show

2:49 - The Role of CHRO's in Healthcare

6:29 - Addressing the Misalignment of Interests in Healthcare

9:48 - The Birth of Health Transformation Alliance

12:22 - The Challenges of Creating a Coalition

15:45 - Advocating for Better Employee Healthcare Experiences

20:28 - The Importance of Collaboration in Driving Change

25:04 - The HTA: Custodians of Member Companies' Money

30:40 - Engaging CHROs: Making the Most of Limited Time

33:45 - Setbacks: Dealing with Free Riders

49:28 - Paying for Value and Outcomes

51:20 - Succession Planning and Advice for CHROs

53:40 - Closing Remarks

Connect with Lee Lewis:

LinkedIn

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Barbara Wachsman, one of the luminaries of the industry who ran benefits at Disney. Responsible for hundreds of thousands of employees and a budget stretching well into billions of healthcare dollars. While there, Barbara formed one of the largest direct contracts with a major hospital system in America.

Beyond her professional work in HR and benefits, Barbara has also worked in hospital systems, private equity, in consulting, and more.

Join us as we delve into Barbara's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way.

Chapters:

0:00 - Cold open

0:40 - Introducing Barbara Wachsman to the show

2:05 - The Excitement and Challenge of Disney

3:20 - A Message from Catalyze Health

4:00 - Provider vs. Employer Side

9:30 - Pulling Accurate Data and Healthier Work Forces

12:40 - The Acquisition Era

15:15 - Hospital Systems and Commercial

20:10 - Risk Based Primary Care Model

29:40 - Advice on Direct Contracting

33:40 - A Message from Catalyze Health

34:15 - What Benefits Managers Should Do NOW

40:00 - Leverage Points To Press To Get What You Want

45:00 - Metrics To Be Aware Of

49:00 - A Right of Responsibility and HDPs

52:35 - What to Do About Changes in Primary Care

57:00 - How to get in touch with Barbara to Learn More

57:40 - Closing Remarks

Connect with Lee Lewis:

LinkedIn

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Shelly Carlin, the impactful Executive Vice President of the HR Policy Association and the Center On Executive Compensation. Beyond her advisory work, Shelly was the Senior Vice President of HR and Communications at Motorola.

Beyond her professional work in HR and benefits, Shelly is an advocate for UCLA Softball and currently works as the managing editor for D1Softball.

Join us as we delve into Shelly's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way.

Chapters:

0:00 - Cold open

0:40 - Introducing Shelly Carlin to the show

2:45 - The Common CHRO Myth

3:10 - A Message from Catalyze Health

3:50 - How Much CHRO's Focus on Healthcare

8:50 - Health Transformation Alliance and Collective Action

13:00 - How to Leverage Care

16:45 - Signs of Complexity and Areas for Improvement

20:10 - How CHRO's Can Make a High-Level Difference

29:00 - Getting Educated

34:06 - A Message from Catalyze Health

36:00 - Signaling What's Important Top Down

41:00 - Risk Shifting and The Negative Impact on Labor

45:00 - Lean In On Well Being

48:40 - Shelly's Hope for The Future of CHROs

51:50 - How to get in touch with Shelly to learn more

52:30 - Closing remarks

Connect with Lee Lewis:

LinkedIn

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Sheila Savageau, the dynamic head of Benefits and Compensation at General Motors

February 2022, Sheila Savageau received a package on her doorstep for the 2022 Helen Darling Award, one of the most prestigious awards in health care, recently awarded to our company and health care team. But for Sheila, our company’s global health and well-being leader, it was much more than an accolade. 

“When I opened that box and looked at the award, I saw my daughter’s reflection,” she said. “And when I think about our journey as a family, I can’t help but to be emotional.” 

Five years ago, Sheila’s healthy 15-year-old daughter became chronically affected with seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. That life-changing moment made Sheila’s work in health care even more personal. 

“I am deeply passionate about people and all aspects of their well-being,” Savageau continued. “And that passion is lit by the fire of my daughter’s health care journey. I refer to it as ‘Jenna’s Journey.’” 

While advocating for her daughter’s health care, Sheila found her purpose. She was inspired to think about how she would do things differently. On many days, Sheila would sit in doctors’ offices or hospitals, pen and paper in hand, journaling about her experience and what she would change to deliver a health care option that could better support patients and their family members — their care advocates. 

Nearly seven years later, in partnership with GM’s Global Business Solution People Services, legal, finance and purchasing groups, our health care benefits team introduced ConnectedCare, a health care option that offers value-based medical care through a connected network of local providers who work together to deliver high-quality care, at the right time and place. 

Join us as we delve into Sheila's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way.

Chapters:

0:00 - Cold open

0:40 - Introducing Sheila Savageau to the show

1:36 - Sheila's Story from Her Perspective

5:06 - Partnerships and How To Navigate Them

15:20 - Patient Choice of Healthcare

22:43 - Providers and Employers

30:00 - The Importance of Trust

33:32 - Data to Spot Areas of Concern

38:44 - Where Changes Will Come From

43:29 - Ways to Build Trust

48:10 - Product Side Enrollment

52:12 - How to get in touch with Sheila to learn more

52:37 - Closing remarks

Connect with Lee Lewis:

LinkedIn

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Elena Bueno-Gonzalez, the dynamic Vice President of Energy Marketing & Trading at Florida Power & Light. Elena's incredible journey from Venezuela to becoming a leading figure in the U.S. energy industry is nothing short of inspiring.

Arriving in the United States at the age of 21 and learning English as her second language, Elena's dedication and talent led her to excel in Mathematics. Her expertise and determination propelled her into the world of commodities trading, where she now oversees critical operations for one of the largest energy companies in the nation.

But Elena's accomplishments don't stop there. In a surprising career twist, she took on the challenge of managing Health and Welfare Benefits, achieving remarkable results in a short period. Her unique perspective and innovative approach brought significant improvements, showcasing her versatile leadership skills.

Join us as we delve into Elena's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way.

Chapters:

0:00 - Cold open

0:40 - Introducing Elena Bueno-Gonzalez to the show

1:56 - The big transition in her career and moving into Health and Welfare Benefits

5:06 - The first challenges Elena wanted to tackle in her new role

11:10 - Convincing other leaders she was the right person for the job

15:43 - Leveraging her relationship with the TPA to empower her people

19:32 - Negotiating with the networks

26:52 - Advice to someone in similar shoes

32:54 - Designing a plan that made it easy for people to find quality care

38:19 - Identifying the risks associated with your strategic decisions

42:55 - Embracing the awkward nature of going back to the incumbent option

48:06 - How to get in touch with Elena to learn more

48:50 - Closing remarks

Connect with Lee Lewis:

LinkedIn